Cross River State has recorded her first case of Monkeypox. Already, the victim is undergoing thorough investigation and has been quarantined. The Commissioner for Health, Cross River Dr Inyang Asibong told DAILY POST on phone that the only suspected case has been quarantined.
She said the victim was undergoing thorough investigation, “It’s true that we have such case but it’s undergoing thorough investigation. The victim has been quarantined,” she stated.
The Commissioner, however, called on the general public, especially those living in the area to be careful and avoid close contacts with each other as the incubation period of Monkeypox disease is usually from 6 to 16 days but can range from 5 to 21 days.
Consequently, Disease Surveillance and Response team has been dispatched to Ikom. It was also gathered that the State Epidemiology Team has also collected samples from the suspect and sent to Abuja for proper investigation whilst they continue contact tracing and isolation of the suspect.
She, however, explained that the symptoms to watch out for includes fever, intense headache, swelling of the lymph node, back pain, muscle ache and an intense lack of energy then finally the skin erupts with rashes mostly on the face, palms of the hands and soles of the feet.
The evolution of the rash from lesions with a flat base to small fluid-filled blisters, pustules, followed by crusts occurs in approximately 10 days. Three weeks might be necessary before the complete disappearance of the crusts.
Dr Asibong appealed to general public to be on red alert and not hesitate to report any suspected case to the State Epidemiology Department or appropriate authorities immediately.
“Avoiding close physical contacts with body fluids of suspects, regular hand washing especially after caring for or visiting sick people and thoroughly cooking all animal products before eating are the best preventive measures against human to human transmission.
“There should be no cause for alarm and everyone should go about their normal business as the suspect is being properly managed in one of the isolation units.”
When DAILY POST contacted the Cross River State Epidemiologist, Patience Uke on phone, she said she was on her way to Ikom to investigate the matter.
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